When an accident happens, our lives can be changed in the blink of an eye. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be confronted with the physical, emotional, and financial burdens of a personal injury. Unfortunately, suffering a personal injury can lead to persistent and sometimes debilitating pain. As such, the state gives victims the right to pursue legal action to hold the culpable party accountable for their actions and seek compensation for any damages they’ve incurred. While the law recognizes that a personal injury can lead to chronic pain, it also acknowledges that victims may attempt to mount unreasonable damages to inflate their award. Consequently, victims hold a legal responsibility to mitigate damages. Please continue reading to learn why pain management is crucial following an accident and how our talented Santa Clara County Personal Injury Attorneys can help you get the justice you deserve.
How Should I Manage Pain After an Accident in California?
As with other states, California law requires victims of personal injuries to take reasonable steps to minimize their damages. If you fail to mitigate your damages, you will reduce the at-fault party’s liability for your damages. Therefore, pain management is critical not only for your overall well-being but also for a successful recovery. The most effective way to mitigate damages is to seek immediate medical treatment following the accident. If you refuse or delay medical treatment, it can be seen as a failure to mitigate damages, which will result in receiving less compensation for the losses you’ve suffered.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may require immediate medical attention, or you can wait a day or two to see a medical professional. Managing pain effectively after a personal injury can vary depending on the type of injury, its severity, and your overall health. After receiving a diagnosis, the first line of defense to treat pain is typically prescribing pain medication. You may require procedures or injections to reduce inflammation and discomfort for chronic or severe pain. Additionally, they may advise you to engage in physical therapy. Regardless of the treatment plan, it’s crucial to complete your medical care and avoid activities that your doctors have told you to avoid because they could make your injuries worse.
Will I Have to Take Time Off Work?
In most cases, victims have to take time off of work to rest and heal. While this may not seem ideal, as it can result in lost funds, rest is vital for healing. Fortunately, if you’ve had to take a substantial amount of time to work, you can seek compensation for your lost wages. Nevertheless, getting as much rest as possible following your accident is essential. You should speak to your doctor to understand how long you should rest. Avoiding anything that could stress your muscles and potentially worsen your injuries is crucial.
If you’ve been injured due to another party’s negligence, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a determined attorney from the Law Offices of Brian J. O’Grady, who can help you fight to attain the compensation to which you are entitled.
